Lanercost Priory, Cumbria

The Augustinian Lanercost Priory lies in a beautiful Valley close to Hadrian's Wall, It suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign. The 13th-century church survives to its full height at the east end with a dramatic triple tier of arches. The  building continues as the parish church but just the north aisle has been reroofed and  used.

Lakes Evening Light

After a very enjoyable day near Carlisle with the Western area of the Northern Counties Federation talking about images, I did a short detour round a bit of the north of the Lake District and just down to Ullswater. Beautiful light. Many thanks, Jack, for a well-organised day.

Sunset M66 Cumbria

Once over the top of the M66,  I was faced by a dramatic skyscape.

Route 66 UK Style

I drove from Cambridge to Carlisle yesterday afternoon via the A1 and A66. The roads were fine until the high region of the A66 where it started to snow heavily as I stopped for a few photos and the road quickly began to cover over. I made it across slowly to the West where there was a great view of the snowy hills at sunset (to follow). I was intrigued by a large flock of starlings roosting on the ground at the top of the moors.

Mondrian at Harlow

I have been staying at Travelodge near the Queensgate Centre in Harlow to do a couple of lectures before heading North to Carlisle today. Full of colours and shapes so a fun collage of various details of the buildings etc.

Cambridge Half-Marathon

We positioned ourselves in Grantchester almost half way round the circuit and enjoyed watching 7000 runners 'having fun'. I was using the Fuji XT-1 (mainly 140mm lens length) to test its focusing abilities for action events. Certainly when it locks on it is very sharp and the success rate was acceptable given this was a first attempt. Number 7008 was way out in front so I presume he went on to win. The blind runner was well up with the pack as were some of the costumed runner. Last one taken at 1/8th second - I particularly liked this one and wished I had done more.